Summer is coming to an end and nature is slowly getting ready for the new season. But when autumn arrives, not only the colorful leaves fall to the ground, but also entire trees – because from the first of October the so-called tree felling season begins in Germany.
According to the Federal Nature Conservation between the 1. March and the 30. September forbidden to cut down trees that are located outside the forest or horticultural areas. Hedges, bushes and other woody plants may also not be cut or stocked during this period. This means cutting the plants down to the cane so they can resprout and grow more densely. In the wild, this prohibition even applies all year round. Horticultural use includes areas used for commercial horticulture, home gardens, allotments and orchards. This term therefore does not include, for example, green areas, parks, sports fields, embankments or roadside ditches.
This rule serves above all Protection of nature, because from October to February birds nest in the trees. As a general rule, trees may not be felled if they contain wild animal species, like bats, wasps or hornets, live. Therefore, there are additional breeding sites that are regularly recolonized and must be protected outside of this breeding season. Furthermore enjoy Landscape conservation areas or trees that are located in an area with a high population density, a special protection.
But there are also practical reasons why felling in winter is more appropriate. Because when the temperatures drop, the growth period of the trees stops and less water flows through the veins in the wood. This means that the cut wood dries faster and can therefore be used earlier as firewood. In addition, trees lose their leaves in winter, making them more accessible to pruning operations.
Where may one when?
So if you want to cut down a tree, you have to follow some rules and regulations Hold. However, these often vary from state to state. Because according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, each state is allowed to formulate its own nature conservation laws and goals. When, where, what may be cut or pruned can be found in this overview for each state:
- Baden-Wuerttemberg:
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September - Brandenburg:
15. March – 15. September :
1. March – 30. September - Hamburg:
15. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September
- Lower Saxony:
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September - Saarland:
1. March – 15. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September :
1. March – 30. September
Municipal differences
But in addition to these state regulations, you should also be aware of possible local regulations inform yourself when a tree is to be felled. Often there are municipal tree protection statutes in which on site specific features is received. This states for which trunk circumference or for which tree species special rules apply. In Nuremberg, for example, trees are subject to the Ordinance for the Protection of Trees if they have "a trunk circumference of at least 80 cm measured at 100 cm above the ground or have been planted to replace stock reductions."In Nuremberg, for example, fruit trees are not protected, except for walnut and sweet chestnut. In these municipal bylaws is also regulated whether a Tree cutting previously approved by the authority be carried out.
In private garden attention must also be paid to whether a Woody plants on a property boundary is located. Because then it is a so-called border tree, where the consent of the neighbors is required. The same applies in Condominium gardens. A felling of the tree must then first are decided in an owners’ meeting, otherwise the rash tree feller can even be obliged to pay damages.
Exceptions confirm the rules
Measures that are in the public interest may also be carried out outside the tree felling season. In the period from 1. October to 28. February may cut down a proper use and care which maintains the population and serves to keep the trees healthy. Other exceptions include Actions that are in the public interest and are permitted and conducted by public authorities. These include, for example, measures for traffic safety or the preservation of water bodies.
Finally, it should be noted that Trees in the garden at best between November and February should be felled. In any case, the felling area must be secured beforehand so that no persons are endangered or objects damaged. If in doubt, always let the professional do the work, because professional arborists can better assess the fall behavior of a tree. For example, the tree may be under tension and need a relief cut or may fall differently than expected due to rot in the wood. As a private allotment gardener one should therefore well informed and follow the municipal rules. Because who simply "falls on it" threatens not only the Risk of violation of species protection law, it can also be Fines of up to 100.000 euros accrue.
One answer to "Tree falls! – Or not?"
The information you provide here on tree cutting provides a good overview. Now should be able to make a better decision. In my opinion this should always be done in a well informed manner.